David Winch

I was stunned to read today in "Lux Esto" about Dave's passing. From the time I met him before Land/Sea in the summer of 81, when he co-led my patrol, through two tours as a L/S leader (82 and 84), to a kind email from him in Jan. 13 with a gorgeous photo of the view out of his Taos office window at sunrise, I've been touched by his quiet, gentle leadership. I can still hear his booming laugh, and the sight of him paddling alone across a Killarney lake, kneeling, easily outpacing two strong...

Dr. David Winch...able to move from the theoretical to the practical with such ease his students could not wait to take the journey with him! With Dr. John Spencer...my favorite at K...Dallas Gatlin '76

Some of my most vivid K memories were of Dave offering care and support to less-than-optimally-prepared Land/Sea freshman such as myself when faced with challenge and physical adversity in the wilds. He had the heartbreaking news on our watch in September of 1979 that the remains of his son had been located in Chicago, which would stop many parents from being able to care for themselves, let alone others. What moved me most was Dave's ongoing commitment to making the world a better place...

I went on Land/Sea in 1980. But I knew of Dr. Winch before I went to K College from the tornado in Kalamazoo in May of that year. While my father and I were going around helping people cut up fallen trees in their yards using our chain saw, David was doing the same with his axe.

His exploits during his many years directing Land/Sea include one story told to me by my leaders that they once filled his backpack with boulders before a 6 mile hike. He still outpaced the young college...

Dr. Winch was one of the gentlest souls, curious minds, and supportive teachers I have ever been blessed with. He is one of those special teachers whom I try to remember when I struggle in teaching myself. I am a better teacher and person because of them. God bless you and your family.

David Winch was one of the driving forces behind the Woodward School for Technology and Research. He was a magnificent teacher and such a positive force for all of us that worked at WSTAR. So very sad to hear of his passing. I will always remember him riding his bike to WSTAR in the dead of winter. With a big smile on his face.

Dr. Winch never questioned why a girl with barely two HS science classes wanted to study in the Physics department. Instead, he shared his curiosity and passion for learning and teaching with me. Twenty-five years later, I am still touched by his kindness. Grace and Peace to his beloved family.

David was an incredible teacher, outdoorsman and role model. If ever there was a man who relished life, it was him. On Land/Sea he was bigger than life. I will always remember the wake he left while canoeing, and watching him swim in a frigid northern lake singing at the top of his lungs. He seemed to get just as much joy out of explaining electromagnetic energy. He was a gem of a person who I will never forget. My sympathies go out to the Winch family

I have fond memories of Dave on Land/Sea adventures as well as in class. Blessings to his family. I am a better person for knowing him.